Bucs' Jameis Winston Apologizes For Actions Leading To Suspension

TAMPA, FL – He first apologized to his teammates privately in the locker room at One Buc Place during training camp on Thursday, July 26. Then Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston faced the cameras and publicly apologized to his fans for the actions that earned him a three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Winston in 2016 was accused of groping a female Uber driver in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Now, at 24, Winston said he regrets his behavior and has grown in the 2 1/2 years since the incident. He wants to put it behind him and move on.

“This happened after my rookie year. I think I’ve made a lot of positive changes since then,” he said. “I know I’ve got some hard work to do to rebuild the trust of my fans. I understand they’re disappointed. I’m disappointed. I should never have put myself in that situation.”

He said the birth of his son on June 29, the day after the NFL made its decision to suspend him for three games, was a life-changing moment.

“I know I’m going to have to be a great example for him and teach him to respect women,” Winston said. “I want to continue to grow as a person, as a leader and as a father.”

However, before he puts the episode behind him, Winston will have to watch from the sidelines while his teammates play the first three games of the season without him – crucial games against the Saints, Eagles and Steelers.

Bucs Head Coach Dirk Koetter said the team will just have to do its best without its starting quarterback.

“It’s disappointing that Jameis has put himself in that position but it’s done and we have to deal with it,” Koetter said. “Luckily, we have three quarterbacks who know our system, and we have confidence in all three guys."

Ryan Fitzpatrick, who joined the Bucs in 2017, is working with the starters during training camp and will fill the starting quarterback's position, Koetter said.

“Fitz played so well when he got his opportunity last year,” Koetter said.

At the same time, Koetter hopes to give third-string quarterback Ryan Griffin some game time.

“He’s been in the league for five years – two with the Saints and three with us,” the coach said. “He has to get a chance to play. He hasn’t had much of an opportunity to prove himself.”

Winston said he’ll do whatever he can to support Fitzpatrick and Griffin.

“This gives me a chance to let Ryan (Fitzpatrick) take the lead and allows me to work behind the scenes,” Winston said. “I will do whatever I can to be a great support system for my teammates.”

It’s only fair, he said.

“My teammates have had my back the entire time,” he said. “I’ve had full support from the ownership down.”

As for the Bucs’ chances without their star quarterback, Koetter said a single player doesn’t make a team.

“I’m excited about our defensive front, our draft picks and our free agents,” he said. “I think we’re going to have a good football team.”

Video via Tampa Bay Bucs

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